POWER test offered at KCC

November 16, 2018

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board’s “Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER)” test is now offered at Kankakee Community College.

The test completes the fitness entry requirements for those who are applying as candidates for various law enforcement agencies.

“We are excited to be offering a local option for the POWER Test,” said Yvonne Mills, specialist and personal trainer manager at KCC. “In addition to offering the POWER Test, KCC has high quality fitness facilities for officer candidates to train for this test, and personnel to guide them in attaining the standards the test requires.”

The POWER Test includes four components: sit and reach, sit-ups, maximum bench press and 1.5 mile run. Specific details of each test, and the standards for passing are on the POWER Test page.

More information, on applying to take the POWER Test at KCC is available on the college’s Fitness Center page and by phone at 815-802-8610.

Food Service Specials Nov. 19-21

November 16, 2018

Da Silva selected as new KCC vice president

November 16, 2018

Jose E. da Silva, Ph.D., an experienced higher education professional, has been selected as the new vice president for student development and services at Kankakee Community College.

Previously, da Silva worked for community colleges in Washington, Texas and Florida. Most recently, he served as interim dean/chief student services officer at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Wash. He will be KCC’s chief student services officer, responsible for areas including enrollment management, student activities, recruitment, advisement, financial aid, testing services and athletics. Da Silva has accepted the position at KCC effective Nov. 26.

“I am extremely excited to join the KCC family,” da Silva said. “I am looking forward to working with the amazing faculty, staff, and students at KCC and continuing to build on the foundation of student success established at the college.”

Da Silva began his career at Tallahassee Community College in Florida, serving in roles including director of judicial affairs and director of student activities. He also has been director of the Bowie Campus for North Central Texas College, and assistant director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at the University of North Texas. In Washington, he also was vice president of student affairs at Walla Walla Community College.

Da Silva has a doctorate in higher education administration with an emphasis on community college leadership from the University of North Texas. He has two degrees from Florida State University, a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in higher education administration with a focus on student affairs. A community college graduate, da Silva earned an associate degree from Tallahassee Community College in Florida.

“We are excited to have Dr. da Silva join the KCC family,” said Dr. John Avendano, KCC president. “Through the interview process he demonstrated creativity, excitement, a great rapport with students, and a thorough knowledge of student services. Dr. da Silva will first focus on getting to know the college and the department, and address enrollment issues as early as possible.”

The most recent chief student services officer at the college was Julia Waskosky, who retired at the end of September, following more than 22 years in various roles at KCC.

Along with his wife, Jill, and their son, the da Silva’s are planning to move to the Kankakee area.

As a finalist, the program is acknowledged on the Law Day website, www.lawday.org and will be included in the Law Day 2019 Planning Guide.

“While we weren’t named an award winner, I’m happy to finish nationally against groups like the federal court in Guam, and blue-chip, Washington, DC-based law firms,” Condon said. “Of the 12 national finalists, KCC was the only institution of higher learning selected nationwide. We may be tiny, but indeed we are mighty!”The Law Week Committee collaborates with judiciary and bar associations and the program advisory committee to develop activities, Condon noted.

KCC’s Law Week activities were held in early May around Law Day, which helps foster an understanding of legal professions and celebrates the role of law is our society.

KCC’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association. Two degrees are offered through KCC’s program, a two-year associate degree program for those who plan to immediately enter the workforce or to transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree program and an advanced certificate for those already holding a bachelor’s degree.

The college has established partnership agreements for paralegal graduates with Calumet College of St. Joseph in Indiana, Governors State University in University Park, Illinois State University in Normal, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and St. Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana.

The 36 credit-hour advanced certificate program is designed for those who hold a bachelor’s degree to complete training in appropriate areas such as writing and relevant computer applications to enhance their college coursework.

Both programs in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies include intensive training in writing and current technology, as well as a required internship at a law firm or other legal organization.

For more information on the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies program at KCC, phone Condon at 815-802-8216 or e-mail kcondon@kcc.edu.